Noah turned around just as Evelyn looked up from her notepad, and in unison, they replied, “Good morning.”

While Chauncey made a mad dash to his food bowl, Joanna sat down on a stool as Noah placed a mug of coffee in front of her. “Thanks,” she said, taking a sip. Swiveling to face Evelyn, she said, “So, how was your weekend?”

“It was nice, but apparently not as nice as yours.”

The hint of humor in Evelyn’s tone wasn’t lost on Joanna, but unsure what joke she may have missed, she looked at Noah for a clue. His expression mirrored Evelyn’s, but when she saw him suck in his cheeks and purse his lips, Joanna’s face flamed instantly.

Amused by the color of Joanna’s cheeks, Evelyn leaned in close. “It seems you may have removed the ivy covering the house, but our grapevine is still very much alive and well.”

Noah, unable to contain his mirth any longer, exploded with a loud guffaw, the result of which added at least two more shades of red to Joanna’s face.

Joanna folded her arms on the counter and quickly buried her face in them. “What did she do, put it on a bloody billboard?”

“Oh no, texting is so much easier,” Evelyn said with a playful wave of her hand. “And it’s really quite all right. It won’t go beyond the walls of The Oaks, and by the staff’s reaction, they couldn’t be more thrilled.”

Joanna popped up her head. “They all know?”

“Good news travels fast,” Evelyn said, patting Joanna on the arm. “And since I heard just how many meals you and Addison skipped this weekend, I’m thinking this is definitely good news.”

“Oh God,” Joanna said, again burying her face.

Noah’s laughter filled the room, and as much as she tried not to, a few titters slipped from Evelyn’s lips as well.

“She’s right, you know?” Noah said, wiping the tears from his eyes. “If you’re happy, then we’re happy.” When Joanna didn’t respond, he tapped her on the arm. Waiting until she raised her head, he whispered, “Are you happy?”

The radiant smile on Joanna’s face brightened the room, and within seconds, the grins Noah and Evelyn displayed were of equal brilliance.

***

Joanna pulled another book from the box, and reading the title, she pondered on which empty shelf it should be placed. Before she could make up her mind, she heard the door to the library open, and looking up, she beamed. “Hi there.”

“Hello,” Addison said.

“You’re early tonight,” Joanna said, watching as Addison ambled toward her.

“With good reason,” Addison said, pulling Joanna into her arms.